MADRID, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Jon Uriarte has been confirmed as Athletic Bilbao president for the next four years after no other candidates came forward to challenge his re-election.
The news means the 48-year-old businessman will remain as the head of the club, where the president is elected by club members.
Uriarte was first elected in June 2022 on a promise to modernize the club's structure and finances, winning more than 46 percent of the vote in a three-way election.
His first four years in charge saw the club end a 40-year wait for the Copa del Rey, winning the trophy for the 25th time in its history in 2024. Last season, Athletic Bilbao also finished fourth in La Liga and reached the Europa League semifinals, with the final played at San Mames.
This season, the club has struggled for consistency because of a long injury list and the demands of Champions League football, which have contributed to a dip in form for several key players. Coach Ernesto Valverde, who has been in charge for the past four years, has announced he will step down at the end of the campaign.
One of Uriarte's first tasks will be to name Valverde's successor, with former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic the favorite. Bournemouth coach and former Athletic Bilbao player Andoni Iraola, however, cannot be ruled out after confirming he will leave Bournemouth this summer. ■
